The Hebrew word Shᵉmîydâʻîy, represented by H8062, is a patronymic term for the Shemidaites. It appears 1 times across 1 unique verses in the Bible. Derived from the personal name Shemida, it functions as a collective identifier for the descendants of this specific Israelite, designating them as a distinct family group.
The sole appearance of H8062 is in a genealogical list within the book of Numbers. This list, part of a census of the Israelites, methodically records the clans within each tribe. The verse states, "And of Shemida H8061, the family H4940 of the Shemidaites H8062" Numbers 26:32. In this context, the term serves to formally name the clan that descended from the patriarch Shemida, distinguishing his lineage as a specific unit within the larger tribe of Manasseh.
Several related words provide context for the role and meaning of H8062:
- H8061 Shᵉmîydâʻ (name of knowing; Shemida, an Israelite; Shemida, Shemidah): This is the patriarch from whom the Shemidaites H8062 descend. He is identified as one of the male children of Manasseh, the son of Joseph Joshua 17:2.
- H4940 mishpâchâh (a family, i.e. circle of relatives; by extension a tribe or people; family, kind(-red)): This word is paired directly with H8062 to define the "family of the Shemidaites," solidifying the group's status as a recognized clan Numbers 26:32.
- H2662 Chephrîy (a Chephrite (collectively) or descendants of Chepher; Hepherites): This term appears in parallel to H8062 in the same verse, describing the "family of the Hepherites" descended from Hepher H2660. This parallel structure reinforces the function of H8062 as a clan designator Numbers 26:32.
While not a major theological term, the significance of H8062 lies in what it reveals about Israel's social and covenantal structure.
- Patronymic Identity: The word's formation as a patronymic (a name derived from a father or ancestor) is a key feature of Hebrew identity, establishing a person's or group's lineage and belonging.
- Clan Structure: Its use in a census highlights the importance of the clan, or mishpâchâh H4940, as the fundamental building block of tribal society. These records were essential for inheritance, land allotment, and social order.
- Genealogical Continuity: By naming the "Shemidaites," the biblical text affirms the continuation of God's promises through specific family lines. This clan is rooted in the lineage of Manasseh, son of Joseph, connecting this family to the broader covenant history of Israel Joshua 17:2.
In summary, H8062 is a highly specific term used to designate a particular family group, "the Shemidaites." Its single occurrence is not insignificant; rather, it provides a clear example of how Israelite society was organized and recorded. The word functions as a precise genealogical marker, illustrating the biblical emphasis on lineage, heritage, and the structured way in which individual families formed the collective identity of the nation.
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